We have many reasons to celebrate this meeting, especially it's been exactly 6 years since the first and the oldest Toastmasters club in Surabaya was born ^^... For this, we can't thank CTM Dave and ACG CL Yong Boon Kok enough for their initiation, enthusiasm and endless dedication.. Because of their action 6 yrs ago, we are able to learn from each other today through this extraordinary club and we have become better leaders and communicators.. -*Many thanks, Dave & Boon*-
Preparing
When celebrating this special event, we chose a special venue. This time, we've got to experience a new atmosphere at Tompotika Food Centre, Manyar. I've heard many calls from other members asking the direction to get there at last minute, however they managed to arrive earlier before the meeting started.
Great music from i-Pod and toy-like speakers greeted every of us when we entered the room (Thanks to TM Edward - Boy, technology is simply amazing!), while the variety of foods were already served at the corner. Although the decoration was rather simple, but everybody could feel the sense of 'celebration' right from the start.
At 7PM, the President (ACB Niken) started to open the meeting and introduced the Toastmasters of the night, ACB ALB David Pranata. That night, the agenda was rather different as the meeting was a special edition meeting!
First, we had an uplifting opening address "The Spirit of Toastmasters" by the co-founder the club, ACG CL Boon Yong. He reminded each of us about the real deal of Toastmasters, to keep having the spirit of Toastmasters and pass them on to others, no matter where you are in terms of project and title. Although the founder (CTM Dave) was not able to attend, through the opening speech Toastmaster Boon gave, we've got to know the 2 men behind the club and to be inspired by their value and action over the years.
Second, we had a game session led by our Table Topics / Game Master, ACB ALB Martin Hendriadi. For this, we divided ourselves into 2 groups. The first game was "Stranded on an Island" and the second game was "Pictionary". Everybody was so into it and before the third game was started, the time was up ~_~ However, the good news was, the winning team was awarded with special something + boxes of Ferrero Rocher ^______^... Ahh, we would never get enough of game ;)
Action
Third, we had the one and only prepared speech speaker: Toastmaster Nur delivering BM#3. Although the objective of this project was to get to the point, TM Nur sucessfully persuaded people to do what he suggested us to do: TRAVEL. He read many books, but the experience to see the real thing by travelling was irreplacable. He got to learn priceless things and got beautiful memory to embrace in the future. "I love coffee and drink it everyday, but I would never forget the taste of cappucino in the morning in Paris. I saw there were couples exchanging kisses in front of the Eiffel Tower and the train had just passed by".. OK people, let's travel =)
Next, we had our seasoned Toastmasters, DTM Arlan Setiawan telling us about "Flash Back of Surabaya Toastmasters". A picture is worth a thousand words, indeed!.. We all reminiscing the Toastmasters then. It's so refreshing too see what the earlier members experienced then and what has changed now. Thanks to all of us, after a few years, we could recruited more female members and so the atmosphere can be enjoyable for any people attending the meeting ^^... No matter what, looking at the pictures, it was apparent that the Toastmasters spirit has been gladly maintained throughout the time.. Yay!!
Finally the ACB Niken gave the closing speech for the very last time being the President 2009-2010. At this occasion she admitted how grateful she was to have found such a supportive club that has helped her to learn at ease. However, serving as an Exco made her realise that there was always things to improve. For herself, she felt the need to tune the way she delivered speech, not to perform, but to communicate. Also to know that learning never stops and although there is low & high time, being Toastmasters means helping each other and helping yourself.
Leaving
Thanks to all dedicated seasoned Toastmasters, committed Excos 2009-2010 and enthusiastics members, we have helped each of us and ourselves to be better. For now, let's keep the spirit Toastmasters in each of us and welcome 2010-2011 term! ^___________^
Until our next meeting on the 23rd of July 2010 and let's not miss out the grand induction of the Exco 2010-2011 team =)
